RedStar rally after UWA scare

UPDATE 25 March: Reigning champions Perth RedStar survived a first-half scare before coming from behind to defeat UWA Nedlands 5-2 in the opening round of the NPLWA – Women’s competition.

The home side went ahead at the midway mark of the first half when Melina Franklin produced a sweetly struck volley.

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RedStar’s leading scorer in 2024 Caitlin Doeglas levelled it up 11 minutes later when latching onto Kaitlyn Bellanca’s cross-field pass and running in to shoot firmly across the keeper via a deflection.

UWA surprised last year’s winners again before the break as Samara Riches’ free-kick was fumbled by Gabby Dal Busco with Chloe Gaspar on hand to force the ball over the line.

However, two goals in two minutes around the hour mark turned the game in RedStar’s favour. Sarah Carroll rolled into the bottom corner from Jayna Ridley’s nod down before Ridley beat the offside trap from Renee Leota’s pass to run in and score.

Jay Coleman tucked away Ridley’s cross 12 minutes from time for 4-2, and then finished from a Doeglas corner late on to complete a second-half brace and give new head coach Chris Atturo a winning start.

On Saturday night, Perth SC also came from behind to get their campaign off to a winning start with a 2-1 victory over Fremantle City at Dorrien Gardens.

In a meeting between two new head coaches, it was Sam Geddes’ Freo who hit the front on nine minutes when Tatem Spencer’s clever flick released Mikayla Lyons who ran in one-on-one and shot past goalkeeper Dayle Schroeder.

Perth's Daisy McAllister saw an effort blocked before Sofie Osborne was denied by Schroeder at the other end. Spencer then headed over a Lyons free-kick, before Jess Flannery forced Megan Phillips into a fine stop as the visitors held a 1-0 lead going into half-time.

Perth levelled on 56 minutes when Epril Nossent’s cross found McAllister and the playmaker kept her composure to beat Phillips at her near post.

The visitors almost regained the lead when Alex Poad’s peach of the pass picked out Lyons who forced Schroeder to tip onto the bar.

Moments later, the Azzurri scored what proved to be the winner as Violet Longmore’s throw-in was lifted over Poad by McAllister who then brought the ball under control and scored spectacularly over Phillips from out wide on the left.

Freo pushed for an equaliser but couldn’t find it as McAllister’s double got Perth off and running under Tom Glavovic.

The HyundaI Football West Academy game against Balcatta Etna was postponed on Sunday due to the heat and rescheduled for the following night. The Academy won 3-0 thanks to first-half goals from Xuri Dalton and Nelli Johnson and one after the break by Sakura Leong. 

The Murdoch University Melville-Subiaco match also fell victim to the hot weather on Sunday, with no new date confirmed.